if for 3 years, you need something with 256MB of VRAM...i would recommend the 9800 pro...but as jonbo said, it's over $200, but if you're going all out (which it seems to me that you are so far) it's the best you can get...well, best for a reasonable amount of money.
Well I just bought a 9800 Pro, just the 128MB version though. Looks good so far. I can play Halo at full settings now. Yes, a little late, but I wanted to try it and it was cheap. I also ordered a athlon xp 2600+ that will hopefully work with my mobo. If it does, I may just run this setup a little longer. If not, I'll put the CPU in my sister's pc and start building my new one.
i got a radeon 9500pro (128mb), XP 2600+, 512 DDR RAM, and the only game that i can't run at full settings now would be Morrowind....those effects are insane!
hell, i can run Half-Life 2 at full settings and it runs smooth.